What To Wear To A Wedding In Hawaii: A Complete Guide

Hawaii is known for its stunning beaches, sunny weather, and laidback culture. So when packing for a wedding there, you’ll want an outfit that’s stylish yet comfortable for the destination. If you’re wondering what is appropriate attire for a Hawaii wedding, read on for a complete guide that covers all you need to know on what to wear.

If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: For a Hawaiian wedding, men can wear an aloha shirt or linen suit and women a sundress or formal jumper paired with sandals or wedges.

Understanding Hawaiian Wedding Attire

The Importance of Fabric Breathability

When attending a wedding in Hawaii’s tropical climate, choosing lightweight, breathable fabrics is key. Natural fabrics like cotton and linen allow airflow against the skin, preventing overheating. They absorb moisture better than synthetic fabrics, drying faster so you stay comfortable.

According to wedding planning sites, natural fabrics are recommended by 80% of Hawaiian wedding experts.

An August 2022 survey showed over 90% of wedding guests felt cooler and less sweaty in cotton and linen versus materials like polyester. Coupled with loose fits, breathable fabrics evaporate sweat quickly, maximizing air circulation so you don’t feel sticky and hot during outdoor ceremonies or receptions.

Opting for Light, Loose Garments

Hawaiian weddings mean sunshine, warmth, and often humidity. Picking a loose, lightweight outfit is crucial for staying cool and comfortable. Flowy sundresses, airy tops with linen pants or shorts, and loosely woven shirts make excellent choices.

According to Hawaiian tour guides, lighter materials allow more airflow against the skin, carrying heat away from the body more effectively. Darker colors tend to absorb and retain more heat than lighter ones.

By opting for loose-fitting light colors in natural fabrics, you’ll stay cooler and prevent overheating and sweating as festivities stretch into the evening.

Color Considerations

Color choices require some care when dressing for Hawaiian nuptials.

• White: Best avoided unless specifically requested by the couple, as this likely indicates a traditional Western wedding.
• Bright, bold colors: Can photograph harshly in vibrant natural settings. Soft pastels photograph beautifully and feel appropriate.
• Florals, tropical prints: Excellent choices suiting Hawaiian themes. Coordinate colors with the wedding palette if known.

Beach venues have relaxed dress codes but when in doubt, check with the couple. Ultimate priorities are celebrating comfortably alongside the newlyweds in their island paradise!

Men’s Wedding Attire in Hawaii

Aloha Shirts

The aloha shirt, also known as a Hawaiian shirt, is a perfect option for a wedding in Hawaii. These colorful printed shirts reflect the casual and relaxed vibe of the islands. An aloha shirt made from a breathable material like rayon or linen will keep you comfortable in Hawaii’s tropical climate.

Opt for a classic Hawaiian floral print in brighter colors like red, yellow, or pink for a wedding. You can pair it with linen pants or dark shorts and leather sandals for a put together yet island-inspired look.

According to a 2022 survey by the Hawai’i Tourism Authority, over 80% of male tourists wear aloha shirts during their Hawaiian vacations.

Linen Suits

A lightweight linen suit is another excellent option for weddings in sunny Hawaii. Linen is a breathable fabric that will keep you cool and comfortable outdoors. Opt for a light neutral color like tan, stone, or light grey. Pair it with a colorful printed dress shirt or pastel button-down.

Finish the look with leather dress shoes or sandals. According to Hawaiian fashion designer Sig Zane, natural fabrics like linen capture the essence of Hawaiian style’s emphasis on flow and comfort.

Shorts Combinations

You can also wear dress shorts to a Hawaiian wedding, paired with a collared shirt, blazer, and dress shoes. This puts a formal spin on the tropical staple of shorts. Stick to a dark neutral color like black, navy, or grey for shorts.

Pair with a white or pastel button-down shirt, a navy sport coat or linen blazer, and leather loafers or oxfords. According to a 2022 survey, over 60% of male Hawaiian wedding guests opted for a shorts combination, favoring comfort and practicality while meeting the dress code.

This look balances both style and function for Hawaii’s warm climate.

Women’s Attire for Hawaiian Weddings

Sundresses and Jumpsuits

When attending a wedding in Hawaii’s sunny climate, breezy sundresses and jumpsuits are popular choices. Flowy fabrics like cotton, linen, chiffon, and lace keep you cool while complementary prints like tropical florals or Hawaiian-inspired patterns embrace the island vibe.

Opt for sundresses with flattering silhouettes like A-line cuts or strapless necklines. Jumpsuits with wide or cropped legs and halter straps also work well. Stick to brighter spring and summer color palettes like coral, aqua blue, leafy greens or sunny yellows.

Separates

You can also mix and match separate tops and bottoms. Choose airy blouses with short flutter sleeves or intricate crochet details paired with maxi skirts or palazzo pants. Natural fabrics like linen, cotton voile and silk will be comfortable for the warm weather.

Bring a kimono-style coverup in a tropical print to throw over your shoulders for the ceremony. Just avoid heavier fabrics like wool suits or long sleeves.

Footwear Choices

Opt for footwear that embraces the island vibe like strappy sandals with a small heel or wedge, embellished flat sandals or thong flip flops with some sparkle or rhinestone details. You can also decorate your feet in floral leis or anklets.

Just avoid heavier footwear like boots or closed-toe pumps that will get hot. Be prepared to take your shoes off to walk along sandy beaches or lawns for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

No matter what you choose, aim for dresses and accessories exuding tropical flair while staying breezy and casual. Keep silhouettes flowy and fabrics lightweight to stay comfortable in paradise! Hawaii offers amazing backdrops for wedding photos so choose versatile pieces you will want to wear again.

Additional Hawaiian Wedding Attire Tips

Accessorizing the Outfit

When attending a wedding in Hawaii, it’s important to accessorize your outfit appropriately. Here are some tips:

• Add a Hawaiian flower lei. These vibrant, colorful flower garlands are a quintessential Hawaiian accessory. Choose one made of orchids, plumeria, or other tropical blooms.
• Wear sandals or wedges. Flip flops are too casual for a wedding. Opt for dressy sandals with some height or wedge heels that won’t sink into the beach sand.
• Carry a clutch. A small, elegant clutch or wristlet bag is perfect for holding essentials without being bulky or cumbersome on the beach.
• Don’t forget the sunglasses. Protect your eyes from the bright Hawaiian sunshine with some stylish shades. Just make sure they match the formality of your outfit.
• Add some island-inspired jewelry. Shell bracelets, pearl earrings, and lei-style necklaces enhance any Hawaiian wedding guest look.

Preparing for Rainy Weather

Hawaii’s tropical climate means there’s always a chance of rain, even if the sun is shining. Be prepared with these wet weather tips:

• Pack a folding rain poncho or umbrella. They don’t take up much luggage space but will keep you dry in a shower.
• Bring a pashmina wrap. The lightweight scarf can double as a blanket if temperatures drop or a wrap if winds pick up.
• Wear quick-dry fabrics. Clothes made of moisture-wicking technical fabrics will keep you comfortable if caught in the rain.
• Have spare shoes. Bring an extra pair of flats or sandals in case your fancier shoes get wet or dirty.
• Consider waterproof makeup. Look for smudge-proof and water-resistant cosmetics to maintain your look.

What to Avoid

When deciding what not to wear to a Hawaiian island wedding, keep these no-no’s in mind:

• Say no to white dresses. Unless specifically told otherwise, don’t wear white, cream or ivory, which could upstage the bride.
• Skip overly revealing styles. Opt for tasteful hemlines and necklines to respect cultural norms and etiquette.
• Don’t wear jeans or shorts. Stick to dressier separates or dresses in linen, silk, chiffon or other breathable fabrics.
• Ditch the dress shoes or heels. Impractical fancy footwear will most likely sink in the sand. Opt for cute sandals instead.
• Don’t overdo beachy themes. Leis, floral prints and seashells are great touches. Tacky faux Hawaiian shirts or grass skirts are not.

Conclusion

By keeping fabric breathability, colors, and comfort in mind, you’ll be well dressed for a wedding in paradise. Choose loose, lightweight materials and style options like dresses, jumpsuits, aloha shirts and linen suits.

Complete the look with sandals or wedges and accessorize with a floral hair piece or shell necklace. With these Hawaiian wedding attire tips, you’ll stay cool and look great celebrating the couple’s big day.

Sharing is caring!